Review Time - Thursday 3rd July

I can't believe that this time last week, Thursday afternoon, I was about to arrive at Wigan (maybe I was already there!) ... whatever, it was absolutely pouring down with the wet stuff ... AGAIN! I had just ridden from Scotland to Wigan whilst barely using the motorways at all; a long cherished desire.

This is almost the last of the Blog entries, although, when the sums are all done, I will give the total of funds raised. At the moment, we are at various stages of collecting ... if you still plan to contribute, please do so, either on-line to www.justgiving.com/thefourpointschallenge or directly via me by cheque (please make payable to 'The Jennifer Trust')! If you've already supported my Challenge, then THANK YOU very much ...

I hope you enjoy a taste of scenes from various points around the UK. Firstly, the Four Points!

SOUTH - Lizard Point

EAST - Lowestoft Ness

NORTH - Dunnet Head

WEST - Ardnamurchan Point

Richard certainly had the essence of what the tour was like, but I fear I gave the impression that I had been permanently sunk without trace under perpetual torrential downpourings! In actual fact, it was mostly a case of 'what a shame I can't really get the maximum benefit from this glorious scenery'. But that's the U.K. for you. Only on the first and last days did it remain absolutely dry! Naturally, if I had really wanted totally dry weather, then I could have gone to Italy, France, Africa ... but it can / does rain even in all those places.

(... now where could this be? ... how about the border crossing on the A68 before Jedburgh and Edinburgh?)

Monday saw me at Woodfield School launching forth about the trip with a hastily cobbled Powerpoint in their morning assembly. This is the school in Plymouth where Amanda (Mum to Baby Alex) worked with my wife for many years. 'Twas another opportunity to share the awareness message about SMA that I could not miss.

(Just after Inverness, climbing over Struie Hill to Bonar Bridge)

Most of the time since then has been occupied with cleaning one exceptionally dirty machine ... yes, it really HAS taken that long to get it back to something like 'decent'!

(Approaching Wick ... I think it is the village of Dunbeath ... unless anyone knows any better!)

(A scene so typical of Wester Ross ... I had never been to this area ... it made a great impact ...)

This afternoon, I've just completed a Review / Summary of the trip, especially for those amongst you who like to know the facts and figures. Perhaps you'd like to have a look? For those who do NOT wear anoraks all the time, move swiftly onwards!

(the evocative Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge)

9th to 28th June 2008: Review

The Charity: The Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy
The Challenge: to ride to the four points (N, S, E and W) of the UK mainland
The Bike: Honda CBR 1100 X3 Super Blackbird.
The Rider: Michael Shelmerdine
The Dates: Thursday 19th – Saturday 28th June, 2008

(a reflective Loch Eil near Fort William)

Travel data:

Total mileage covered 2610 mls
Total fuel used: 241.9 ltr / 53.16 gall
Total cost of fuel used: £290-90
Unit fuel cost: £1-20 /ltr. / £5-47 / gall
Ave. Economy: 10.79 m/ltr / 49.10 mpg.

Tank Capacity: 23 ltr / 5.05 gall
Range (to 2 ltrs reserve): 226.6 mls

(clouds over Ben Nevis)

Route Segment Details:

Thursday 19th June: Plymouth - Lizard Point - Plymouth / 218 mls
Friday 20th June: Plymouth - Ipswich / 329 mls
Saturday 21st June: Ipswich - Durham / 355 mls
Sunday 22nd June: Durham - Inverness / 361 mls
Monday 23rd June: Inverness - Scourie / 242 mls
Tuesday 24th June: Scourie - Fort William / 271 mls
Wednesday 25th June: Fort William - Crianlarich / 211 mls
Thursday 26th June: Crianlarich - Wigan / 280 mls
Friday 27th June: rest day at Wigan / 0 mls
Saturday 28th June: Wigan - Plymouth / 343 mls

Total mileage: 2610

(Hacking down through mid Wales: south of Newtown, I think)

(The Reception Committee ... Alan and Amanda took my breath away with a personalised Tankard by which to remember my Challenge ... I hardly need any reminders of such a FABULOUS experience, but THANK YOU so much!)

(Three days of hard work to remove so much caked-on muck ... I would never make a profit doing this professionally)

(... NOW that's what it should look like!)

Thursday 26th June 2008

Michael says ... to Pam who edited it!

Set off in wrong direction (north) thanks to... yes you guessed it Sat Nav! Soon got sorted and it worked a dream through Glasgow.

Arrived safely in Wigan at about 5pm. The bike and gear are drying out in Stu's shed. The rain there is so bad the drains flooding Stu's road. Just the night for a birthday barbeque for Alice!! YES!

Michael says he has taken the rain all round with him. It is dry in the NW of Scotland now he has left. He is due to bring the rain back home to Plymouth. Great!

Friday's Update: 27.06.08

Its now Friday 27th June; a rest day by any other name. Its been great to view the pics I've taken when downloaded onto Son Stuart's computer at Wigan, where I am spending a couple of nights. Its strange NOT to be on the road, covering the miles as per each of the last 8 days!

I think the theme of the week has to have been the (often) appalling weather; have a careful look at Durham Cathedral and spot the blob of rain on the lens! There has not been one completely dry day since Mark and I went to Lizard Point. Even today is 'showers', although not like the heavyweight rain of yesterday. Did I tell you that Stuart cooked a full BBQ for 15 of us last night? ... outside in waterproofs, he was, holding an umbrella and cooking all the goodies whilst the BBQ cover hissed as the rain drops landed. True dedication ... food was good too!

I'm trying to load a few pics to break the monotony of my writing; oh, hasn't Richard done a sterling piece of work. Many thanks Son ... and also to Pam for providing bulleted points from our numerous telephone conversations. A great job, very well done to both of you. I had great fun reading all the latest when I logged on this morning.


Eilean Donan Castle: starting point for the Jacobite Rebellion - Bonnie Prince Charlie's grand march South.

Day 10, the last day, tomorrow, Saturday 28th June. From Wigan, back to Plymouth ... via deepest Wales, naturally ... because I can ... ! Guess what? The forecast is set for DRY (all things are comparative, methinks).

To all those who have taken the time, THANK YOU for the support, prayers, phone calls and best wishes, either directly to me or via Pam. They have meant a lot to us both. I'll be in touch again when I am safely back at home once more.

This next / last is from Gretna Green; home of Blacksmith's Weddings for the last 200 years, ... only one mile from the English border and first stop-off point for coach and horses as they crossed the border.

Michael
1700hrs / Friday 27th June

Day 5 - Wednesday 25th June - Evening Report

By all accounts, today wasn't the most enjoyable of days.

Michael called Pam early whilst he was having tea in town 3 miles from his B&B so he wouldn't have to go out on the bike later:

"The weather has been atrocious. Glencoe was a big disappointment as the conditions were so bad I had to ride very slowly for safety. I did not go on to Oban. Both gloves leaked! At one point, the bumpy road made the top box wobble again but still no disaster as it sorted itself out"

There were some positives.

• At breakfast, Michael talked to 2 Swedish couples about The Jennifer Trust.
• A Devon couple were happy to sign Michael's validation sheet when he reached 'West' around lunchtime. He was was quite emotional and considers this quite an achievement. I agree.

Tomorrow ends in Wigan, on Granddaughter Alice's birthday. How exciting to be 3 years old and have Granddad arrive by bike!

Evening Herald Article

Anyone reading this today (Wednesday 25th) who is able to get hold of a copy of it Evening Herald should be able to find Michael's article.

There are some inaccuracies but any publicity is good publicity!

Day 7 - Wesday 25th June - All Four Points successfully reached

A text from Michael received today at 1257hrs:

"Just arrived at West [Ardnamurchan] point. Rather wet and windy. M"

I'm guessing that as it's so impersonal he's sent the same one to lots of us. Given that he's likely not got everyone's number, I thought I'd share that with everyone else!

Day 6 - Tuesday 24th June - Deer Reader!

Today started with beautiful sunlight.

For lunch, Michael stopped at a delightful tea room called the Potting Shed. It was shortly after departing from here that he was riding along (thankfully, quite slowly at this point) and two red deer stepped crossed the road in front of him to join their three friends on the other side!
This is slightly coincidental because it was in the run-up when Michael said that he would not be passing on every-day details like changing his socks, but instead we'd post if a deer jumped over him as he rode, for example.

The afternoon's route took a recommended detour near to view the Isle of Skye from the British mainland. Sadly the Scottish rain (it "weaseled down", according to Michael when I spoke to him) didn't allow for the promised view but I can't help thinking it would still be more attractive than anything I saw today!

I spoke to Michael this evening shortly after he'd passed the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge - 3 bronze figures in memory of Scottish Commando's who lost their lives in WWII. This is noteworthy as he had been there at the age of 12, however long ago that may be now ;-)
Whilst talking with Michael, he pulled over in order to have a clearer conversation. This was all well, until a swarm of 5000 three stone six foot long Scottish midges attacked him. He promptly moved on, having to take one of them with him on his visor.

Recently, there has been much mention of the journey but not much of SMA and the intention to spread the word. I asked Michael about this.

• The 2 German motor bikers mentioned on Day 5 were incredulous at this challenge and contact details were exchanged.
• At the Potting Shed café a gentleman entered having spotted all the stickers on the bike outside, marched up to Michael and wanted to know all the details - the journey, the cause, the charity etc.
• Indeed, the previous night's host (I didn't get a name - some reporter I'm going to turn out to be) was keen to host Michael in part due to her regularly looking after her grandchild.

Needless to say, I doubt many people are crossing paths with Michael and not hearing about SMA, the Jennifer Trust and the Four Points Challenge.

Continuing this theme, BBC Spotlight TV today contacted Pam asking about filming some part of Michael's ride. This may be his arrival back at Alan and Amanda's on Saturday pm. If this is the case, all visitors, banners and flags will be greatly welcomed. We'll keep you posted.

Michael is now safely in the civilisation that is Fort William and he enjoyed a pub meal earlier. He has now visited South, East and North. Tomorrow is West: Ardnamurchan Point.

Bonus Photos - Sunday's Departure

A couple of photos emailed in from Bob (standing talking) and Jennie (on the bike) who Michael stayed with on Saturday night.

"Hi Pam.

I just thought I'd attach one or two photos we took the morning Michael left. The weather was lovely by then and just right for a few pictures. As you can see, I dared to climb on the terrifyingly enormous vehicle. Sitting on it stationary was quite enough.

It's been lovely weather for the last two days until about 4pm today. I just hope it's been the same in the west for Michael so he could see everything at its best. The forecast is miserable again for tomorrow. It's such a shame but it doesn't seem to dampen his enthusiasm for long.

Love Jennie."

Day 5 - Monday 23rd June - Scottish exploits

For Day 5 - Inverness to Scourie via Dunnet Head (most Northerly point) - I have reports from two different people and they both paint a lovely image.

From Pam...

• A great start to the day with flannelette sheets and then a hearty breakfast of Scots porridge.
• A poetic moment of riding close to the elements and being able to absorb the wonderful smells: pine from the forest, sea weed from the shore, timber from a passing lorry... and smoke from a driver's open window.
• During the day, Michael stumbled across some German bikers at a filling station then met them again at John O'Groats and Dunnett Head.
• The drama point of the day was when the mount for the top box (storage compartment at the back above the back wheel) became wobbly. It was soon fixed.
• In the evening, a delicious meal of salmon followed by strawberries and cream. How appropriate given it was the opening day of Wimbledon.

From Karen (daughter; met at The Lizard in Cornwall last Thursday), following calling him during the afternoon whilst he was riding (he has had a hands-free set which doubles as his music player)...

"Spoke to Dad this afternoon. He was high on adrenaline, life, being up in the mountains. The picture he painted of the roads, lochs, mountains were amazing and Dad seemed actually drunk on life!! This is no better described than when in the middle of telling me everything that he's been up to, I was cut of for a minute or so. Funny thing was that when I managed to 'phone him back and reconnect, he hadn't even noticed I'd been gone!!! So envious, Scotland sounds Wow!"

The 'phone issue is something Michael was aware of - that when he is riding and someone calls , the phone doesn't ring - you get connected straight through to him. If he is listening to music, it cuts out and is replaced by the caller's voice. This must have been what happened.

I think this describes that Michael is enjoying himself. No doubt he will have taken loads of pictures and as soon as he is able, we'll try and get some online.

Day 6 brings him down the West side of Scotland, staying in Fort William overnight. I know this was always going to be a favourite day. Enjoy, Dad!

Day 4 - Sunday 22nd June - Challenges!

Here we go with the report from Day 4 - Durham to Inverness.

Michael trod on his glasses. This means he now looks like Jack Duckworth from Coronation Street. I've no idea what this means but hopefully all is well.

In part due to the fact that not as many garages are open in Scotland as in England on Sundays, Michael almost ran out of fuel twice.

A nasty accident caused Michael to have to take a detour quite close to his journey's end. His Sat Nav assisted but taking him by taking him back to the accident site: great! So Michael had to ring Jennie and Bob for directions. There are thoughts that perhaps a map should be take in future!

These various challenges aside, the day ended with stepping out of his wet outer clothing and being well fed.

Hopefully tomorrow's leg of the journey - Inverness to Scourie via Dunnet Head (most Northerly point) - will bring fewer challenges for our intrepid explorer out on the road so he can enjoy the wonderful Scottish countryside.